A guide to spending 7 days solo in Antigua
- Jude
- May 20
- 7 min read
Hi everyone, this is a guide on how to spend seven days solo in Antigua. There are many all inclusive hotel resorts on the island, most have excellent reputations, located on an idyllic beachfront with daily activities. However, I recommend staying in a self-catering hotel or a privately owned rental property to truly appreciate what the island has to offer whilst putting money back into the local community. You can still discover some of Antigua's finest beaches, all are open to the public, sample some excellent dishes at a variety of quality restaurants and choose from a range of exciting excursions.
A guide to spending 7 days solo in Antigua
Airport Transfer to Accommodation
If you decide to stay at a hotel, contact them in advance to arrange for a driver to meet you at the airport. If you are staying at a privately owned rental property then head over to the taxi rank outside the airport. Plenty of licensed taxis are there, prices are fixed and regulated by the government.
The hotels and apartment complexes I recommend offer bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation. They are a great base from which to explore the island. Click on the link to discover a range of properties on the beachfront, with use of a pool, spa facilities or a micro hotel with games available for hire including a pool table, Fooz ball or poker table.
A more cost effective way of travelling solo to Antigua is to consider staying at a privately owned rental property. Click on the link to view the range of studio apartments I recommend around the island. For each property I have met with the owner/property manager, taken photos and gained an understanding of the local area. Some of the studios are located within or beneath family homes so you have a point of contact close to hand should you have any questions or need help with something.
Ideas of how to spend 7 days in Antigua
Day 1.
Antigua is known for its beautiful beaches, 365 of them. Some are ideal for relaxation, watching a sunrise or sunset, while others are more popular for water sports or snorkelling. Click on the link to view some of the top beaches to visit when on the island.
Day 2.
I first heard about Nicole's Table several years ago after watching celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott's BBC TV series that involved island hopping around several Caribbean islands. While visiting Antigua, he stopped by Nicole's Table, a wonderful cookery school within a home setting. The dishes created were so inspiring that I needed to follow in his footsteps. Choose from a number of different courses including 'All about Jerk', 'Co-ordinating curry', 'Cooking with rum' and 'From the sea'. It's a great way to meet some new people and take some recipes home to share with family and friends.
Day 3.
In my opinion, this is a 'must do' activity. Xtreme Circumnavigation is an exhilarating boat tour where knowledgeable crew members show you some real highlights of Antigua. Power through the waves passing spectacular natural limestone rock formations, watch out for turtles and snorkel with stingrays. A delicious beachfront lunch is prepared Robinson Crusoe style on an uninhabited, offshore island. The speed boat continues around the curvy coastline to English Harbour for a further snorkelling session before a well deserved, home made rum punch on remote beach, Rendezvous Bay.
Day 4.
Head into Saint Johns, Antigua's capital. Visit the museum to learn about the history of the island, browse the diverse range of shops from a Vendor's mall selling souvenirs, food markets, duty free shopping and some excellent restaurants. Make sure you stop by Quin Farara, a 100 year old rum shop. It has maintained the tradition of serving refreshments of fresh lemonade and coffee but also serves alcohol and sells a selection of spirits and wine by the bottle. Additionally, a range of courses are available for those wishing to learn about the history of the store and to gain some knowledge of Antigua's rum production. Several packages include rum tasting sessions with cocktail making.
Day 5.
Antigua & Barbuda is a nation made up of three islands, together with uninhabited Redonda. Barbuda is affectionally referred to by many as Antigua’s little sister. The island is 62 square miles and relatively underdeveloped as far as tourism is concerned. Ironically, this is one of the main attractions, experiencing the natural beauty of the island from pristine beaches and mangroves to caves at Two Foot Bay National Park. It is the perfect place to visit to reconnect with nature. So book a flight on a 9 seater plane and be greeted by a tour guide who will look after you and show you the island's highlights before returning you to the airport.
Day 6
Spend a day in English Harbour
Charismatic English Harbour is located on the island’s most southerly point. For over 50 years, a world-class annual sailing regatta has lured hoards of spectators and participants with its exciting races followed by regattas and celebrations for locals and tourists alike. For a vibrant stay, visit between December-April. May through to October is much quieter with fewer venues open but you can still enjoy its stunning beaches, Galleon and Pigeon Point, hiking trails, historic Nelson's Dockyard and horse riding at Springhill Riding Club. A visit would be incomplete without attending a bi-weekly party at Shirley Heights, a former military lookout, 490ft above sea level.
Pigeon Point beach
Pigeon Point beach is a golden sand beach bookended by two restaurants, high end Catherine's Cafe with regular live music during high season and Bumpkins. Bumpkins is casual, serving burgers and fish and great cocktails. I recommend trying their special, banana colada. A takeaway option is available too so you can take it onto the beach and watch one of the incredible sunsets.
Hike to Fort Berkeley
Hike up to Fort Berkeley, Antigua's oldest fortification built in 1745 to protect English Harbour from invasion. The walk is a little steep in places with loose rocks so wear supportive footwear. I recommend walking early morning as the sun gets very hot. Expect to see lizards, pelicans, hummingbirds and a variety of flora en-route to the top. Once there, as well as the remains, you can walk around the former Guard's House and witness for yourself the stunning views he would have had from the window. There is an additional building you can go enter into that used to store the gunpowder barrels. Take a selfie beside the last remaining cannon and marvel at the views across the harbour and Galleon Beach.
Galleon Beach
Galleon Beach is a long stretch of white sand and the shipwreck there makes it a popular place for snorkelling. You will see a plethora of colourful marine life including turtle sightings if you are lucky. On the beachfront a fantastic bar/restaurant, Loose Cannon is open peak season.
Top Concerns for solo travellers
What worries you about travelling solo? Have a think about it because I had a whole bunch of them when I first travelled alone. The trick is to brainstorm them and think of a possible solution before it happens to ease anxiety. From those I have spoken to and surveys I have conducted, these have been some of the most common concerns for both males and females.
Dining alone - Plenty of tips in my 'Solo dining in Antigua' post
What to do with your belongings if you need the bathroom while at dinner
Getting unwanted attention
Getting lost
Feeling guilty - A surprising amount of people have said they would feel guilty taking time away from their families or partner
What are the benefits of travelling solo?
An opportunity to focus solely on you and your needs without feeling guilty about it.
No compromising. We've all had a situation where we want to do one thing and the rest of the group want to do something else so we go along with it. With solo travel you don't have to compromise - just do what you want, when you want, for however long you want.
Absorb yourself in that book you keep promising to read but haven't had time.
Reconnect with yourself and re-discover what you like to do.
Prepare yourself for a 'lightbulb moment'. Without the usual distractions it is surprising how your mind relaxes and highlights changes you want to make in your life.
Speaking to others. How many times do you strike up a conversation with someone that you wouldn't have done if you had been with a partner, friends or children. It can be opportunity to make new friends.
It is empowering.
Helpful tips for solo travel
Read the reviews of the hotel you are considering staying at. Type 'solo' into the search bar and read the reviews and viewpoints of others who have been to the property by themselves.
Don't attract attention by wearing flashy jewellery and wave expensive cameras and mobiles around etc. It's a safe island but just use common sense as you would at home.
Book tours and trips via hotels and reputable companies. Anything featured on the 'Things to do in Antigua' and 'Hotels in Antigua' pages, I can recommend. I have also visited all the accommodation featured on the 'Antigua Holiday Rentals' page, so please email if you have any questions at info.worldwidetravelideas@gmail.com.
If you don't want to receive unwanted attention as a solo female traveller consider wearing a wedding ring if you are out on your own.
Ask hotel staff for recommendations of places to go to by yourself and organise transport for you.
Antigua does not accept even slightly torn US$s so ensure the notes are in excellent condition when collecting your currency. Carefully check any notes you receive as change following a purchase in Antigua too and do not accept a damaged note. Personally I recommend ordering EC$s to travel with if possible.
Note: I will receive a small commission if you book a stay following my recommendation at one of the accommodation or book a recommended tour within this post.
If you make any bookings based on my recommendations your contract will be directly with the activity/accommodation provider I am acting as a referral point only based on information from my most recent visit which may be subject to change at any time.
